Ann Rehabil Med.  2021 Aug;45(4):314-324. 10.5535/arm.21072.

Efficacy of an Integrated Training Device in Improving Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Ability in Older Adults

• Roh CH
• Kim DS
• Kim GW
• Won YH
• Park SH
• Seo JH
• Ko MH

• KMID: 2519638
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.21072

Abstract

Objective
To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device.
Methods
This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment).
Results
All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.

Keyword

Integrated training device, Elderly, Muscle strength, Postural balance, Cognition

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. The SBT-120 (Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea) integrated training device for strength and balance. (A) Hang glider game to improve upper extremity strength. The participant holds the upper slings with both hands. Pulling the slings raises the hang glider, and lowering the sling causes a descent of the hang glider. (B) Arrow game improving the lower extremity strength and balance. The participant steps on the footpad imitating the arrow pattern displayed on the screen.

• 

  Fig. 2. Changes in outcome measures of BBS, FRT, and TUG after training. BBS, FRT, and TUG scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0: (A) BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0, (B) FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0, and (C) TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. BBS, Berg Balance Scale; FRT, Functional Reach Test; SD, standard deviation; TUG, Timed Up and Go Test; T0, baseline; T1, immediately after training; T2, 4 weeks after training. *Significant difference between groups (p<0.05).

• 

  Fig. 3. Changes in outcome measures of K-MMSE and K-MoCA after training. K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores improved after training: (A) K-MMSE scores increased by 1.10±1.97 at T1 and 1.60±1.76 at T2 compared to T0; and (B) K-MoCA increased by 2.00±2.43 at T1 and 2.65±1.95 at T2 compared to T0. Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. K-MMSE, Korean Mini-Mental State Examination; K-MoCA, Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment; T0, baseline; T1, immediately after training; T2, 4 weeks after training. *Significant difference between groups (p<0.05).

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